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UNICEF's regional offices help coordinate ongoing work and initiatives with the country offices

A diverse region, with some of the world’s most dynamic economies as well as its least developed countries. Great progress for children, with areas of great need and new challenges, including climate change.

Marked by disparities, with some of the world’s richest countries and others contending with widespread poverty and conflict. Inequities based on wealth, gender, and residence leave many children vulnerable.

West and Central Africa is home to 403 million people – half of them children. The region will experience a sharp rise in its child and youth populations over the next few decades – a demographic transition that offers a huge opportunity for growth and poverty reduction.